Italy
657. Podere Brancaia, Il Blu IGT Toscana, 2004
Overall, fairly good but a little disappointing – either faintly corked or overrated. Deep ruby, with a medium garnet rim. Medium+ intensity, slightly grubby …
647. Planeta, Cometa Fiano IGT Sicila, 2009
The quality of winemaking that Planeta are renowned for comes through on this Fiano, yielding a quite complex, deep, but balanced wine that was …
639. Podere Vecciano, VignalMonte Sangiovese Superiore Emilia-Romagna, 2007
Not a bad effort at a modern style Sangiovese, from a less known terroir than any in Tuscany. Perhaps a bit too much new …
635. Pieropan, Soave La Rocca, 2008
Pieropan showing, like Inama, what quality Soave can achieve. Pretty rich fruit, but with a seam of minerally acidity underpinning it. The only criticism …
606. Vecchie Terre di Montefili, Bruno di Rocca IGT Colli Toscana Centrale, 1998
The 1998 was simpler and a little lighter. Most preferred to have the 1997 poured, after an initial side-by-side, but 2 or 3 went …
605. Vecchie Terre di Montefili, Bruno di Rocca IGT Colli Toscana Centrale, 1997
Served side-by-side with the 1998, with a tomato-based chicken main course, both showed Tuscan acidity and food affinity, but were distinctly different wines – …
596. Tommaso Bussola, Valpolicella Classico Superiore T.B, 2005
Bussola’s ripasso method Valpolicella, and clearly a ‘serious’ version. But not so serious that it can’t be drunk without meditation. A good balance. Opened …
592. Marchesi di Grésy, Monte Colombo Barbera d’Asti, 2005
Had this with Princess and a crowd in POTG Bow Lane, at Paul’s choice. Another example of Marchesi di Grésy’s good work. A complex, …
590. Poggio di Sotto, Brunello di Montalcino, 2000
Was proffered this in POTG Bow Lane wine bar on my first visit and was persuaded by that taste to part with 80 notes. …
Anzivino: better than just a Gattinara B&B
Anzivino was founded in 1998 by entrepreneur Enzo Anzivino, when he acquired an old grappa distillery site. He renovated it, built a new winery …